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News from Beacon Hill
House to debate $1.6 billion transportation borrowing bill
This week the House will debate a $1.6 billion transportation borrowing bill that may lead to a compromise between the House and Senate that is blocking the release of $200 million in funding for local road and bridge projects. In March, the House passed legislation which included $200 million in funding for Chapter 90 local infrastructure projects but did not include the remaining $1.3 billion in spending authorization proposed in a bill filed by the Governor. The Senate approved the $200 million commitment for local road and bridge projects, however the Senate's bill reflected the governor's version, including funding for highway, rail and transit spending authorizations. The two bills are currently stuck in a conference committee.
House Passes Bill to Improve Veterans' Services
Rep. Stanley helped pass legislation that improves the overall quality of life of our veterans. The legislation expands the services offered through the Massachusetts Military Family Relief Fund, assists military families in transitioning in and out of Massachusetts, and increases the efficiency of veterans' service officers in our communities. This legislation addresses the major problem that families face when trying to transfer their childrens' education credits from school to school as a result of forced military relocations. This bill will require the Board of Education to adopt a procedure to make the transition easier on students.
Under law, each community in Massachusetts is required to have a veterans' service officer. This legislation sets up a commission to study and make assessments on the certification process for veterans' service officers. The commission will also be responsible for developing an improved training and certification process for VSO's. In addition, the bill increases the efficiency of the Welcome Home Bill, allows district courts to consider establishing diversion programs for veterans, and requires that only one of veteran status can hold the position of Commissioner of Veterans' Services.
The House and Senate passed legislation to expand job and education opportunities for veterans. The bill passed the Senate earlier last month. Also known as the VALOR Act, the bill assists veteran-owned small businesses, gives court administrators guidance when dealing with veterans and increases eligibility for food, housing, utilities and medical service supports paid for through a fund financed by voluntary contributions made on income tax returns. The House passed amendments
to the bill, including one that would permit any veteran of the U.S. Armed Services to be considered a MA resident in order to receive in-state tuition at state public colleges and universities. Other adopted amendments included one waiving licensing fees for veterans and another that requires boards of higher education to award college credit for military experience.
House Passes Bill to Cut Health Care Costs
The House passed legislation that addresses the unsustainable cost of health care while allowing the health care industry to continue to provide world-class quality care. This legislation seeks to reduce health care costs while allowing our world renowned health care system to thrive. It provides for several areas: Division of Health Care Cost and Equality, transparency, Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMH), Accountable Care Organizations (ACO), alternative payment methodologies, consumer protection, Health Information Technology (HIT), health care cost growth targets, price variation, smart tiering, medical malpractice reform, workforce development, Medicaid, and administrative simplification.
The legislation provides patients' tools to make informed health care decisions. Under this legislation, consumers will gain access to detailed comparative price and quality information; they will also gain important information from providers about services and payment. The bill also promotes health information technology and the use of electronic health records that will bring efficiencies and cost savings. The implementation of a fully interoperable health information exchange by 2017 will allow for secure electronic exchange of health records amongst providers.
House Passes Bill to Prevent Unnecessary Foreclosures
Rep. Stanley helped pass legislation to prevent unlawful and unnecessary foreclosures. The bill establishes a procedure where banks must offer a loan modification option to borrowers prior to foreclosure in cases where the lender knew, or should have known, that the borrower would not be able to repay.
In cases where borrowers hold "certain mortgage loans," the legislation requires lenders to perform an assessment of the borrower's financial standing and to consider the value of a loan modification as opposed to the anticipated recovery the lender would gain from foreclosure. If the loan, as modified, is worth more than the amount the lender expects to recover after foreclosure, the lender must offer a loan modification to the borrower. In addition, this legislation prohibits lenders from foreclosing without proper documentation, including written proof that the foreclosing party currently holds the mortgage. The bill now heads to the Senate.
House Passes Election Laws Reform
Rep. Stanley helped pass a bill that reforms the state's current laws as they relate to elections. This legislation aims to improve accessibility and transparency in the state's election system by promoting civic awareness, streamlining the process by which citizens may register to vote, and calling for election audits in certain circumstances.
When teens turn 16 years old, they will then have the opportunity to pre-register to vote, thus simplifying the registration process for new, young voters by already having their name in the central voter registry file. Furthermore, voter registration forms will be made available for download from the web so that a registrant may fill out the form, print it, sign it, and mail it or deliver it to their town clerk with ease.
Under this legislation, municipal election officials will be required to attend annual training given by the Secretary of State regarding applicable state and federal election laws.
Additionally, this legislation calls for an election audit after certain biennial elections including all general elections where a Governor, a Senator or a Representative in Congress is elected.
The number of precincts selected to be audited in the drawing must be equal to 3% of all precincts in the state. The precincts to be audited will be chosen by random drawing by the Secretary of State within 48 hours after polls close and the board of registrars in each city or town will conduct the audit.
Any costs incurred to implement election audits shall be paid by the state using funds available to Massachusetts under the federal Help America Vote Act.
House Passes Omnibus Economic Development and Jobs Legislation
Rep. Stanley helped pass a comprehensive economic development and jobs bill. This bill implements strategically-focused economic development policies that will make Massachusetts more competitive by improving the Commonwealth's innovation economy, promoting economic prosperity through infrastructure investments and streamlined permitting, facilitating the expansion of new and existing businesses, and training our workforce for the future.
This legislation first makes investments in infrastructure through the creation of the MassWorks Infrastructure Program, which will serve as a one-stop-shop for infrastructure funding, thus simplifying the process for municipalities and enabling the state to allocate the funds in the most efficient manner. Additionally, given the recent success of Boston's Innovation District, this bill makes more funding available for project financing via the I-cubed program.
To further strengthen the economy, this bill aims to prime the workers of tomorrow through the Innovation Investment Fund and the Talent Pipeline Program. The Innovation Investment Fund, which will offer matching grants to research and development projects sponsored by the state's world-class universities and research institutions, will put MA ahead of others on the front of innovation and economic development. The Talent Pipeline Program allows students and young innovators to get a head start on their future by matching stipends for interns at technology and innovation start-ups.
Additionally, the legislation provides for a recapitalization of the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund with a focus on "middle skill" jobs through collaboration between public educational institutions, workforce investment boards, and local employers.
This legislation also encourages economic growth by expanding expedited local permitting, which will enable communities to use the Chapter 43D local option program to promote residential development in addition to commercial and mixed-use development that are currently allowed by law.
State Seeks to Address Drunk Driving Loophole
Responding to a Supreme Judicial Court decision issued, Attorney General Martha Coakley, State Senator Katherine Clark (D-Melrose), and House Judiciary Chairman Eugene L. O'Flaherty (D-Charlestown) announced that that they are taking action to close an important loophole in an effort to toughen the laws against repeat drunk drivers.
The SJC decision ruled that a "continuance without a finding" (CWOF) resolution in cases against certain defendants accused of operating under the influence were not considered convictions under the law. The result is that these cases would not trigger increased license revocation penalties for repeat drunk drivers that were passed as part of Melanie's Law.
To close this loophole, the AG Coakley, Senator Clark, and Chairman O'Flaherty proposed two changes to the law. First, the proposal would amend the definition of "conviction" to include individuals who admit to sufficient facts for a finding of guilty, directly addressing the problem in Souza where a similar admission was not considered to be a conviction. Additionally, the proposal would consider as a first offense, for purposes of the breath test refusal, those situations where an individual has been referred to an alcohol or substance abuse treatment program as a result of a previous OUI prosecution.
Lieutenant Gov. Expands MA's Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force
The state's Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force will expand to include four subcommittees: Business, Industry and Military Alignment; Education, Innovation and Workforce Development; Community and Municipal Support and Engagement; and Military Mission, Operations, Opportunities and Efficiencies.
The Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force (the Task Force) was created by Executive Order to work with stakeholders to develop and implement actions that will better position, promote and protect Massachusetts' six military bases: Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield; Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee; Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford; U.S. Army's Soldier Systems Center in Natick; the Massachusetts Military Reservation on the Cape; and Fort Devens.
The Business, Industry and Military Alignment subcommittee will include a partnership between MassDevelopment, an existing member of the Task Force, the Defense Technology Initiative (DTI) and the New England Council to establish a convener for local businesses and the defense industry. The DTI, created by the Massachusetts High Technology Council during the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), is building a strong case to protect the defense industry across New England.
The four newly created subcommittees will further engage the public with the state's efforts to support Massachusetts' military bases. DTI and the New England Council will lead the Business, Industry and Military Alignment subcommittee, which is intended to also include each regional chamber of commerce president or director in Massachusetts. Additionally, the Science and Technology boards at Natick Soldier Systems and Hanscom Air Force Base will be invited to appoint a liaison to serve on the Business, Industry and Military Alignment subcommittee. The Education, Innovation and Workforce Development subcommittee will be selected by the chair of the Task Force and secretaries of Education and Labor and Workforce Development. The Community and Municipal Support and Engagement subcommittee will include representation by each municipal manager in a base or surrounding community. The Military Mission, Operations, Opportunities and Efficiencies subcommittee will include representatives from various state agencies and retired military servicemen and women.
Additionally, state Senator Michael Rush and state Representative James Vallee, two appointed members on the Task Force, will create a Legislative Caucus within the Task Force to engage their colleagues in the legislature.
With the support of Governor Patrick, Lieutenant Governor Murray signed Executive Order #541 creating the Task Force on February 27. As chair of the Task Force, Lieutenant Governor Murray leads regular meetings including tours and roundtable discussions in support of the state's six military bases. The Executive Order authorizes the chair to expand the Task Force to "establishing working groups, meetings, forums and any other activity" in support of promoting and protecting Massachusetts' military bases. To learn more about the Task Force, please click here.
"Michael's Law" will prepare schools to handle life-threatening emergencies
Governor Patrick signed Senate Bill 2132, "An Act Relative to Medical Emergency Response Plans for Schools." Local school districts will now be required to develop efficient written medical response plans to be better prepared to respond to life-threatening emergencies. The legislation, also known as "Michael's Law" was filed in response to a tragic incident involving Sutton High School sophomore Michael Ellsessar, who died after suffering cardiac arrest while playing high school football in 2010.
Schools will now be required to implement the following steps in addition to the required multi-hazard evacuation plan: (1) a method for establishing a rapid communication system and protocols, (2) a list of relevant contacts, (3) a method to efficiently direct emergency medical services, (4) safety precautions for injury prevention, (5) a method of providing access to CPR and first aid training, and (6) the location of defibrillators and personnel who are trained in their use.
Local districts will be required to submit their plans to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) every three years and DESE will be required to develop and biennially update a model medical emergency response plan to assist school districts in the formulation of their plans. Schools are required to conduct plan simulations at least annually and to evaluate and modify their plans as necessary. DESE will be required to submit a report to the legislature on the implementation of this initiative by July 1, 2013.
State Officials Urge Residents to Follow Safe Boating Practices
With summer here, the Massachusetts Environmental Police urge boaters to make this a safe boating season. In addition to wearing lifejackets, state officials recommend that boaters take a boating safety course, operate boats only while sober and make sure their boats have the required safety equipment onboard. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 672 boating fatalities nationwide in 2010. While that's significantly lower than the 924 in 1991, nearly 75 percent of all 2010 boating fatalities were due to drowning. Of those who drowned, 88 percent were not wearing a lifejacket.
State Health Officials Urge Residents to Take Precautions against Tick Bites and Lyme Disease
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is encouraging residents to stay vigilant against tick bites when they're outdoors this spring and summer. Ticks are present in our environment anytime temperatures are above freezing, but they're especially active as temperatures get warmer in spring and summer. If not removed promptly from the skin, ticks can transmit Lyme disease, a serious but treatable illness. To learn more, please click here.
Consumer Affairs Fictional Websites Warn of Cyber Crime The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation announced the creation of several fictional websites that warn internet users of the increasing amount of scams across cyberspace and how to avoid becoming a victim. Click here to view the websites which display offers ranging from free trips to work-at-home deals to foreclosure and debt relief. When web users click to apply for a service or purchase a deal, they are directed to an educational page that warns about similar scams. The sites were developed as a tool to educate consumers about the dangers of careless cyber shopping and to provide consumers with educational information about where to actually find the help they are seeking. The websites are created based on typical scams that are all too common on the internet. These website offers of immediate weight loss, work-at-home schemes and debt relief deliver nothing in return for consumers' money. Often these scams result in identity theft, credit card theft or other fraud. New Initiative Will Strengthen Massachusetts' Position as a World Leader in Big Data The Massachusetts Big Data Initiative is a number of steps and initiatives that will expand Massachusetts' position as a world leader in the rapidly expanding Big Data sector. Big Data is the collection and analysis of large amounts of data, a growing information technology need as companies seek solutions to easily handle data across a broad spectrum of industries and uses such as genomics, climate change, cancer research, health care cost reduction, smart grids and other topics. The Massachusetts Big Data Initiative will expand on the Commonwealth's already strong Big Data presence. By combining business and academia into the initiative, Massachusetts will maintain a visible presence at the forefront of Big Data. The initiative calls for the creation of the Massachusetts Big Data Consortium, with an organizing committee led by academia and industry, to be facilitated by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. The Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center in Holyoke, a collaboration of the Commonwealth with MIT, the University of Massachusetts, Boston University, Northeastern, Harvard, Cisco and EMC, has designated the Computing Center a major public-private resource for the Big Data Initiative. Governor Patrick Champions Massachusetts Leadership in Clean Energy Governor Patrick outlined the progress of his clean energy agenda in an address to clean energy leaders and stakeholders at FastCap Systems in Boston's Innovation District. The Governor promised to build on four years of successful energy efficiency and clean and renewable energy policies, pledging to make MA a global leader in an industry that creates jobs, stabilizes costs and protects our environment. Clean energy employment in MA grew by 6.7 percent during 2011 and the industry expects to meet or exceed this job growth in 2012. To date, the Governor's investments and policies have created close to 115 megawatts of solar power, the equivalent of taking 9,500 cars off the road each year or producing enough electricity to power more than 18,000 homes. In the last three years alone, MA consumers have saved nearly 40 percent on their electric bills. In his speech, Governor Patrick announced the Obama Administration's designation of the Massachusetts Wind Energy Area, the largest proposed offshore wind development area along the East Coast that has already attracted interest from 10 offshore wind development companies. The Governor highlighted his support for new biogas regulations to increase our production of renewable energy and announced that Massachusetts is expected to reach 100 Green Communities by this summer. Finally, the Governor reiterated his support for wind siting legislation and called on the House to pass a Senate-approved bill that expands support for renewable and clean energy. DPH Offers Health Promotion Clearinghouse Website The website distributes publications and materials on important topics such as asthma, diabetes, nutrition & physical activity, sodium, stroke, substance abuse, tobacco cessation and prevention and more. These materials benefit a wide range of residents, including people interested in improving their health and making healthy choices, anyone in healthcare who provides information or education to patients and educators working with diverse populations. Visit www.maclearinghouse.com to learn more. Exciting New Veterans Resource! The Patrick-Murray Administration launched www.MassVetsAdvisor.org, a cutting-edge web portal that offers enhanced access to services and support for veterans living in the Commonwealth. The new site will help veterans and their family members access more than 200 state and federal benefits in one location, including programs for education, counseling, employment, health care and other services. MassVetsAdvisor streamlines comprehensive data from state and federal resources and lists only the benefits and services each veteran is qualified for, including an "action plan" to apply for the benefits. Veterans will be able to print, email, save or forward the action plan to their Veterans Services Officer for additional one-on-one assistance. $628 Million to Be Invested In Massachusetts Safety Net Hospitals The Obama Administration has approved $628 million to support the Patrick-Murray Administration's initiative for integrated care and alternative payment models at Massachusetts safety net hospitals. The Obama Administration's approval of the Commonwealth's "master plan" for Delivery System Transformation Initiatives (DSTI) makes available $628 million in joint state and federal funding to provide incentive payments for safety net hospitals over three years. This will allow the hospitals to invest in integrated care, electronic safety and quality innovations and infrastructure to support alternative payment models. The seven hospital systems participating include Boston Medical Center, Cambridge Health Alliance, Holyoke Medical Center, Lawrence General Hospital, Mercy Medical Center, Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital and Steward Carney Hospital. Dolan Named DYS Commissioner Secretary of Health and Human Services JudyAnn Bigby named Edward Dolan Department of Youth Services' new commissioner. Dolan, of Peabody, is a former Department of Youth Services commissioner who joined the agency in 1997. Prior to joining DYS, Dolan served as chief operating officer for Massachusetts Half Way Houses Inc. and he previously worked as a forensic manager for the state Department of Mental Health. Dolan also previously served as executive director of the Massachusetts Parole Board and has worked in the state's trial courts and for the city of Chelsea. June 15 was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Governor Patrick declared June 15th World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Massachusetts. At the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Protective Services received more than 18,000 reports of abuse in 2011 - an increase from the year before. Among the reasons for the escalating rates of abuse and neglect, are the economic challenges and the isolation of seniors. The other factor in rising number of reports is that there are more people aware of both the problem and the reporting process. Since self-neglect has been included in the reportable categories, more people have called the Elder Abuse Hotline number: 1-800-922-2275. If you suspect someone you know is a victim of abuse or neglect, please call us or refer to the Protective Services Program.
2012 MassWorks Infrastructure Program Application Materials Now Available The 2012 MassWorks Infrastructure Program application materials are now online! The second annual MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant round will be open to new applications through an online system between Monday, Aug. 27 and Monday, Sept. 10. The MassWorks Infrastructure Program provides a one-stop shop for municipalities and other eligible public entities seeking public infrastructure funding to support economic development and job creation. Municipalities with a population of 7,000 or less may also seek grants for road improvement that enhance safety. A copy of the 2012 application, guidelines, scoring, FAQ and other relevant materials are now available on the HED website at http://mass.gov/hed/massworks. The electronic application system will open on June 1, providing applicants with more than 12 weeks to complete their application before the submittal period opens on Aug. 27. All of the data submitted during the 2011 grant round will be available for updating, providing for the easy reapplication of a project submitted in 2011. All decisions will be rendered by the end of October. Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program WIC is a free nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services to Massachusetts families who qualify. WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children. WIC's goal is to keep pregnant and breastfeeding women and kids under 5 healthy. To apply for WIC, call 1-800-WIC-1007 or contact a WIC Program in your community. Please click here for more info.
SAVE Partners with Veterans' Services to Support Veterans & Their Families The fundamental principle of the Statewide Advocacy for Veterans' Empowerment (SAVE) program is to advocate for veterans who are not able to obtain the benefits they have earned due to institutional or personal barriers. The program's primary mission is prevention of suicide and mental health distress through the identification of issues facing veterans when they return from service and proactively providing them with access to benefits and services that may address these issues and result in positive transitions back to civilian life. SAVE acts as a liaison between veterans and their families and the various agencies within the federal and state governments. To learn more, please click here. Mass 2-1-1, in Partnership with United Way, Partners with Department of Veterans Services To learn more about the services available to veterans by MA 2-1-1 and the Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services, the chief advocate for veterans and their families in the Commonwealth, please click here. 2-1-1 is the national abbreviated dialing code for free access to health and human services Information and Referral. 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember and universally recognizable number that makes a critical connection between individuals and families seeking services or volunteer opportunities and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies. 2-1-1 makes it possible for people to navigate the complex and ever-growing maze of human service agencies and programs. By making services easier to access, 2-1-1 encourages prevention and fosters self-sufficiency. It also is hoped that it will reduce the number of non-emergency calls inappropriately made to 911.
MassWildlife Offers Calendar of Events The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is responsible for the conservation - including restoration, protection and management - of fish and wildlife resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. The Division works to balance the needs of people and wildlife today so wildlife will be available for everyone's enjoyment today and for future generations. To learn more about DFW events across the Commonwealth, such as wildlife-related workshops, talks, walks or demonstrations, please click here. MassDOT RMV urges eligible drivers to renew their licenses online Services available on the MassDOT RMV website include applying for a first time license; converting an out-of-state license; scheduling a branch appointment; registration renewals; ordering a driving record, crash report or Fast Lane transponder; viewing the status of a license, registration, driver education certificate and title; signing up for organ/tissue donation; and canceling a registration plate.
State Announces Internship Opportunities Website
The state launched a website featuring internship opportunities across Massachusetts. The new website, promoted by the Commonwealth Marketing Office, aims to convince college students and recent graduates to stay in the state. Companies are allowed to post opportunities at no charge and serves as a "a one-stop shop" for students searching for internships.
Drivers Encouraged to "Donate Life"
Massachusetts drivers can register as organ donors on their driver's license or online through the Donate Life New England registry. About 99 percent of all Massachusetts residents who designate themselves as organ and tissue donors do so through the Registry of Motor Vehicles at RMV branches and on its website. Free program to help veterans & their families quit smoking
A free, statewide smoking cessation program is designed to help Massachusetts veterans and their families live healthier and longer lives. Massachusetts veterans and their family members can now call the Massachusetts Smokers Helpline at 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or click here to receive free telephone support and a two-week supply of nicotine patches to help them quit smoking.
Job Opportunities with the Commonwealth of MA
There are a number of job listings posted on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts home page. For more information, click here.
House to debate $1.6 billion transportation borrowing bill | 
